A lot has been said about dermarollers. Your friends may have told you many interesting and incredible things about this device. Even in social media you may see a lot of advertisement about dermarollers. If you haven’t tried dermarolling therapy and you are curious on what credible professionals have to say about this – then you are on the right page.

As you read further, you will know more about what is dermarolling therapy as explained by a dermatologist and are there any evidence-based clinical trials to prove its efficacy? What clinical conditions does dermatologist opted to use dermarolling therapy instead of the other treatment modality and is there any indications for using this therapeutic option?

You will learn what does most dermatologists used and what do they recommend? Are they performing microneedling or dermarolling therapy in performing various skin treatments?

Dermarolling Therapy As Explained by a Dermatologist

Dermarolling therapy is also popularly known in other terminologies such as microneedling therapy, skin needling and percutaneous collagen induction therapy. It is a new addition to various treatment modalities used to manage different skin conditions such as atophic scars like post-acne scarring, wrinkles, stretch marks, varicella scars, and even in the treatment of alopecia or hair loss. Dermatologist describes this procedure as a simple yet effective treatment modality in managing these conditions.[1]

Microneedling therapy uses a dermaroller device which has around 200 microneedles that is used to penetrate the skin. 2 The microneedles usually penetrate at a range of 1.5 mm deep but it depend on the actual length of the needle and for the skin condition it is indicated for use. Despite this most number of needles, it does not cause severe bleeding and trauma to the skin.

Dermatologist believes that microneedling has a lesser inflammatory response that occurs after a dermarolling treatment. This is because the mechanism of action of dermarolling therapy is quite different as compared with the other conventional treatment. The explanation of the mechanism of action can be best seen when having a closer look at the enhanced motility and skin cell communication of different innate or endogenous electrical signals in the body.2

In a nutshell, microneedling stimulates the proliferation of growth factors that induces the production of collagen and elastin. This activates the repair process of the skin which eventually improves the appearance of the skin. The new collagen acts as fillers in the skin does removing the scars, wrinkles and other skin marks.

The skin’s elasticity is also significantly improved which enhances the appearance of the skin.

Are there any Evidence-based clinical studies to Proved its Efficacy?

There are a lot of ongoing dermatologic clinical studies that aims to quantify and evaluate the clinical effects of dermarolling treatment. In a study, ten patients with different kinds of atophic acne scars underwent three months of microneedling therapy. They had six sessions of dermarolling treatment done in a two week interval.1

The patients were photographed before, during and after the treatment to monitor their progress. Dermatologist also performed skin biopsy on the first and third month to have a baseline of the success of the treatment. In the skin biopsy, they were able to assess the:

Histometry of epidermal thickness

Quantitative evaluation of total elastin

Newly synthesized tropoelastin

Collagen types I, III and VII

Newly synthesized collagen1

The results showed that there was an observable clinical improvement in the post acne scarring in response to dermarolling therapy as compared to the baseline. In fact, there was a statistically significant increase in the collagen types I, III and VII. There was also an increase in the amount of newly synthesized collagen while the total elastin was significantly decreased at the end of the treatment periood.

Thus, the dermatoloogist concluded that there is a need for multiple minimally invasive dermarolling sessions to see visible results. They also concluded that dermarolling therapy is effective in treating post-acne scarring because it helps stimulate the repair process of the skin. More so, dermarolling therapy has the advantage of being relatively risk-free.

It can also be performed in an in-office procedure with minimal downtime and faster recovery time for the patient.

In what conditions does dermatologist used dermarolling therapy?

Dermarolling therapy is an effective alternative treatment for various skin conditions. Aside from post acne scars, it is also indicated for scars from wounds caused by surgery, trauma and accidents. Usually these are the wounds that closed by secondary intention or wounds that rely on the biological process of healing. [2]

Dermatologist use dermarolling therapy in different skin conditions such as:

Treating superficial burns

Hyperpigmentation

Non-advancing periwound skin

The doctors noted that the skin has a positive response in treating hyperpigmentation, acne and scars.

What are the recommendations of dermatologist?

There are a fast-growing number of dermatologists who are offering microneedling treatment to their clinics. This procedure is relatively simple and easy to perform. It is also a very popular treatment and a lot of people from all walks of life are trying this out.

Even popular celebrities have been using this treatment as part of their beauty regimen. More so, dermarolling therapy can be used in common skin conditions like post acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, varicella scars, hair loss, and many others. There is a growing demand for this treatment considering that it is applicable in different skin types.

Even people with sensitive skin and dark-skinned individuals can use this treatment safely without any adverse side effects. No wonder a number of dermatologist are offering this treatment modality in their clinics. Moreover, clinical studies have shown the efficacy and promising potential of dermarolling therapy in treating common skin conditions.

If you haven’t try it out, you may visit a dermatologist, so you can discuss with them the treatment and how things will go on. Who knows, this may be the treatment you are looking for that will solve your skin problems?!